Addiction treatment centers settle ADA complaint

Friday

Oct 6, 2017 at 3:48 PMOct 6, 2017 at 4:17 PM

Erin Mathews @ErinMathewsSJ

A Kansas-based operator of addiction treatment centers has agreed to pay $25,000 to settle allegations it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

Valley Hope Association of Norton, which operates 16 addiction treatment centers in seven states, signed the agreement with the Justice Department. The agreement resolves allegations that Valley Hope offered its residential treatment services on a less-than-equal basis to individuals with HIV/AIDS.

After an investigation, it was alleged that Valley Hope had a practice of requiring individuals with HIV/AIDS to stay in separate rooms during residential treatment unless they revealed their HIV/AIDS status to their potential roommate. Valley Hope also had a policy or practice that prevented individuals with HIV/AIDS from engaging in certain work activities around the residential facility.

Under the agreement, Valley Hope is required to adopt measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully and equally enjoy the various services and accommodations provided at Valley Hope treatment centers. Valley Hope will adopt and implement a formal non-discrimination policy that will be posted in each facility and on its website and provide mandatory annual training to employees and contractors. Under the settlement, Valley Hope also will pay $20,000 to the complainant and a $5,000 civil penalty.